Previous Research

Empower, educate and inform on integrative medicine for Cystic Fibrosis

2014

Identification and classification of novel biofilm genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, an invitro study – Harvard University click here

Funded Research 2013

PHASE I – CF-CATS (Cystic Fibrosis for adolescents through Tai Chi study): Assessing the feasibility of teaching Tai Chi to adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis and their carers. FULL Report –Click Here-. For Poster – Click Poster

CF-CATS: An uncontrolled feasibility study of using tai chi for adults with cystic fibrosis
Ava Lorencemail, Awais Mian, Susan Madge, Siobhán B. Carr, Nicola Robinson
Received 21 May 2013; received in revised form 24 August 2013; accepted 5 September 2013. published online 21 October 2013. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 5, Issue 6, Pages 476-486, December 2013
Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) can adversely affect quality of life. This study on tai chi (TC) for cystic fibrosis (CF) was an uncontrolled pilot trial assessing the feasibility of a future controlled trial.

Methods

Adults with CF, recruited from the Royal Brompton Hospital, UK, were taught weekly TC (based on the “eternal spring” set) for 5 weeks in participants’ homes. They continued with DVD and home practice for 5 further weeks. Cystic fibrosis questionnaire revised (CFQ-R), hospital anxiety and depression scale and brief pain inventory were completed at baseline, 5 and 10 weeks. Healthcare use, TC practice, symptoms, and wellbeing were recorded weekly, medical data at baseline and 10 weeks. Data compared before and after TC. Two online focus groups explored experiences and feedback on research methods.

Results

Eleven patients were recruited, mean age 38, five working/studying, baseline predicted FEV1 between 26% and 74%. Treatment constraints and respiratory symptoms (CFQ-R) significantly improved (mean decrease 27.78 (p=0.023) and 11.90 (p=0.05) respectively). Numerous health fluctuations were recorded.

TC was perceived as a “powerful tool”, relaxing and calming. Challenges to TC practice included hospitalisation, poor health, other treatments and forgetting movements. The DVD was helpful. No problems participating were reported.
Conclusion

TC may reduce CF treatment impact, improve respiratory symptoms, self-efficacy and sleep. Participants’ poor and fluctuating health and the small sample potentially affected results. Such research appears appropriate and feasible. Suggestions for a future trial include measurements of quality of life, dypsnoea, self-efficacy, coping, sleep, exercise levels, longer follow up and frequent assessment.

http://goo.gl/qIyBYf

Meditative movement for respiratory function: a systematic review
Ava B Lorenc, PhD, Yuyi Wang, BSc, Susan L Madge, PhD, Xiaoyang Hu, MSc, Awais M Mian, BSc and Nicola Robinson, PhD. Published online before print July 23, 2013, doi: 10.4187/respcare.02570 Respiratory Care July 23, 2013 respcare.02570

Background:

Meditative movement (MM; tai chi/yoga/qi gong) may be beneficial for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) as a form of gentle exercise incorporating meditation, breathing and relaxation. Respiratory function is the most common issue in CF. This systematic review synthesised the evidence for MM for respiratory function to provide a clinical summary and inform research into MM for CF.

Methods:

Chinese and English language databases were searched using keywords for tai chi/yoga/qi gong, and respiratory function/cough/dyspnoea. Articles were screened and selected by two researchers. Controlled studies published in English/Chinese after 1980 were included. Data were extracted using a specially designed spreadsheet. Two researchers independently evaluated study quality and reporting using three standardised checklists. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneous methodology.

Results:

1649 papers were identified, 43 included (30 English language, 13 Chinese), 23 RCTs, 20 nonrandomised trials. None studied CF; 11 studied patients with respiratory disorders, 27 healthy people. Very few were high quality. The main bias with RCTs was randomisation and nonrandom/poorly reported sampling, for non-randomised studies poor reporting of samples and non-equivalent groups. Although no clinically significant changes were shown, MM may improve FEV1 in healthy people compared to no treatment/exercise (intervention groups showed changes from 0.07 to 0.83) but MM did not appear to affect FEV1/FVC ratio in COPD. Key study limitations were: poor reporting of sampling or methods; small, potentially underpowered samples; non-randomised design; lacking description of randomisation; randomisation by centre; no blinding; lack of reporting of important aspects of MM; short-term follow up.

Conclusion:

There is no evidence for MM in CF, and very limited evidence for respiratory function in healthy populations. Due to heterogeneity of populations and lack of sampling information, clinically relevant conclusions cannot be drawn and more research is needed in this area, in particular powered, randomised studies.

doi: 10.4187/respcare.02570

2012

PLAIN Language/Guidelines on normal Minute Ventilation in relation to Cystic Fibrosis, Click Here.

2011

PLAIN Language summary of the Buteyko method and it’s possible significance,Click Here.

SUM of the use of Massage and it’s possible benefits in relation to Cystic Fibrosis, Click Here.